In a nail-biting finale, Alnur Football School of Excellence emerged victorious in the Bank Windhoek Ramblers under-21 tournament held at Oshakati over the weekend.
The team secured the championship title after defeating last year’s runners-up, A Class Academy, in a marathon penalty shootout.
The match ended goalless, with both teams creating chances but ultimately failing to score.
This was not the first time the two teams had faced each other in the tournament.
They had previously met on the opening day of Group B, with Alnur winning 2-1. However, this result proved inconsequential, as both teams advanced to the final due to their group stage performances.
The final saw both teams fighting for glory, but neither could find the back of the net during regular time.
The match went into a penalty shootout, with Alnur and A Class Academy taking turns to attempt to convert their spot kicks.
After 16 attempts, Alnur emerged victorious, converting 14 penalties while A Class Academy converted 13.
Alnur coach Achmad Shipwe was overjoyed with the win, crediting his team’s victory to their thorough preparation and unwavering fighting spirit.
He has praised his players’ determination and resilience, stating that their hard work and commitment paid off in the end.
“We prepared well for this tournament, and our players showed great fighting spirit throughout the competition,” he says, adding that he is proud of each and every one of the players for their outstanding performance.
The Bank Windhoek Ramblers under-21 tournament provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills and compete against some of the best teams in the country.
Alnur’s victory is a testament to their dedication and team work, and they will be looking to build on this success in future competitions.
As for A Class Academy, they will have to regroup and recharge for next year’s tournament.
Despite their loss, they can take pride in their performance and look forward to another opportunity to challenge Alnur in future matches.
As these young players continue to grow and develop their skills, they will undoubtedly become a force to be reckoned with in Namibian football.
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